A Glimpse into the Geologic Splendor and Hidden Risks that Lie Beneath Washington, DC-Video

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The keynote examines Washington, D.C.’s geological setting, infrastructure challenges, and changing approach to risk. The region’s exceptionally hard bedrock allows earthquake waves to travel long distances, while varied soils and historic fill create local foundation and excavation challenges. The speaker highlights projects such as the Washington Monument, the Convention Center, the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and the Metro system.<br /><br />D.C. faces earthquake, flooding, and climate risks. The 2011 Virginia earthquake exposed vulnerabilities in unreinforced masonry and building contents, while heavier rainfall and sea-level rise increase flood threats. The speaker argues that conventional life-safety standards do not adequately address the disruption and long recovery times that can follow disasters.<br /><br />She advocates for “functional recovery”: restoring buildings and infrastructure quickly enough to resume their essential services. This approach considers downtime, social and economic impacts, and the performance of interconnected networks—not just damage to individual structures. Tools under development can help decision-makers compare retrofit investments and prioritize projects that reduce recovery time.<br /><br />Examples illustrate how geotechnical engineering can support functional recovery, including redundant retaining-wall systems and foundations designed to rock in a controlled manner. The speaker urges geotechnical professionals to take a leadership role in resilience planning, collaborate across disciplines, and apply engineering innovations to protect not only lives but also communities’ ability to function after disasters.

Keywords

Washington D.C.

geological setting

earthquake risk

flooding risk

climate resilience

functional recovery

geotechnical engineering

infrastructure resilience

Metro system

retrofitting